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more help with Irish itinerary: flying to Dublin, out of Shannon

Thanks to all who have already supplied helpful comments! We find we're having trouble figuring out a few details. After two or three nights in Dublin, we're going to head west, we know, but where? Directly to Galway, from where we'll visit the Aran Islands and perhaps Connemara? or somewhere else midway? And if we go directly to Galway for two nights, where to spend the last two? Doolin had sounded appealing, but now we're leaning toward Ennis, which some have recommended.

We certainly want to enjoy the countryside and some of the topography, but we're also interested in ancient and medieval sites. We've decided not to drive the Ring of Kerry or the Dingle peninsula, but we would like to investigate the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher. Knowing we likely won't have time to visit all of them, here are some of the places that are on our current wish list:

We are staying in a small village in west cork, Courtmacsherry. ... We flew to Dublin and spent time and returned to the airport to rent a car (you pay a premium but we needed automatics).

This is an area of cliffs (coolim cliffs which are the second highest cliffs in Ireland), lislee church - where the Lusitania victims are buried, pubs, music, expansive views across the bay, ruined villages and abbeys, boating, hiking, music etc etc. we hike sheeps head peninsula - the undiscovered dingle.

We come to Ireland a good bit. Now that we have discovered this town, we return here each visit and stay put. Ireland is the people. My advice, find a special and out of the way place and absorb Ireland into your pores. Do not run around with a night here and two nights there (you can cover a lot in day trips). The people are the essence of Ireland. Just a thought.

You give Galway and Clare so rather than recommend Cork I will stick to your requests.
Looks like 7 nights total on the ground between flights..

Dublin to Galway would typically be straight over the M4/6 with a call at Clonmacnoise so..Consider 2 nights Dublin and a night in Birr...leave Dublin Lunch time (1 till 2pm in Ireland)Airport collection of rental car. over the motorway to Kilbeggan for Lockes Distillery and or Tullamore Heritage centre. Birr Castle might be an option if you arrive early enough (around 4pm) check into Accommodation (The Maltings?)
Next day Clonmacnoise and Galway, taking the N446 you avoid the M6 toll between Ballinasle and Loughrea calling into Loughrea for lunch? or head straight to Galway on the M6.
2 nights planned for Galway either a drive free day and the Tour to Inis Mor or take yourself off on a tour of the Connemara area http://goo.gl/maps/L5ihu

7 days will get a look at the area in the triangle from Dublin to the Shannon estuary to Killary Fjord

You could fit in Cashel as a loop day trip from Ennis via Killaloe, Nenagh, Thurles, Cashel, Cahir and return via Limerick. With so much to see and so few days some things may have to wait until next time.

Tony2phones, this itinerary is very, very helpful--I like the practical tips. I think we will look to stay at Ennis after Galway. I was looking at both Glenomra House or the Old Ground. Any suggestions there?